KwaMakhutha:The government has strongly condemned a shooting incident in the Ziko area, south of Durban, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injured three others on Tuesday night.

According to South African Government News Agency, Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) emphasized the need for unity against violence and criminality. She stated that no one should live in fear and reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting all South Africans and restoring safety in affected communities.

The government also urged calm among the public and advised against taking the law into their own hands. In response to the tragedy, the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, instructed the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner to initiate a 72-hour tracking operation to catch those responsible for the attack.

The incident unfolded when armed suspects reportedly entered a house in the Ziko area and opened fire on the people gathered inside. While 11 lives were lost, three individuals sustained injuries. The SAPS has yet to determine the motive behind the shooting, but investigations are ongoing.

Mnukwa called for collaboration among community leaders, civil society organizations, and local authorities to combat crime effectively. She stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between communities and law enforcement to prevent further violence and build safer environments.

The government extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and wished the injured a swift and complete recovery. Authorities have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and cooperate with the police.